The parent of a 6-month-old infant asks the nurse for advice about his son's thumb sucking. What would be the nurse's best response to this parent?

Question

A) 'Thumb sucking is a healthy self-comforting activity.'
B) 'Thumb sucking leads to the need for orthodontic braces.'
C) 'Caregivers should pay special attention to the thumb sucking to stop it.'
D) 'Thumb sucking should be replaced with the use of a pacifier.'

Answer 1

Ans: A
Thumb sucking is a healthy self-comforting activity. Infants who suck their thumbs or pacifiers often are better able to soothe themselves than those who do not. Studies have not shown that sucking either thumbs or pacifiers leads to the need for orthodontic braces unless the sucking continues well beyond the early school-age period. The infant who has become attached to thumb sucking should not have additional attention drawn to the issue, as that may prolong thumb sucking. Pacifiers should not be used to replace thumb sucking as this habit will also need to be discouraged as the child grows.